With a fresh track layout and another new race event in the works, Alabama has become a new home away from home for the JConcepts crew in 2010. The AIS crew constructed yet another outstanding track layout, and with the incorporated elevation and super clay racing surface, consistency was second to none.

The 1:8 buggy nitro class was full tilt all weekend long with Chad Phillips taking TQ and JR Mitch second and Jason Ruona third. At the start of the Main JR Mitch wasted little time getting into the lead and made an incredibly tough pass coming downhill toward the drivers' stand on the opening lap. JR’s RC8B was on rails and most notably at the start where he stretched the lead, opening a nice gap between first and second. The 45-minute Main continued on with JR holding a nice comfortable lead and Phillips in second. JR was flawless in the pits with Paul Wynn getting him in and out quickly and efficiently while maintaining the lead throughout. As the race neared the finish, JR finished strong, taking the big win home for JConcepts.

The Subcultures tires in blue compound were perfect for the Alabama track and surface and provided the tread depth and engagement necessary for the cool groove conditions. JR topped off his winning buggy with the Punisher body and Illuzion HD rear wing.

The 1:8 electric class was another major class of competition at the Shootout with Jason Ruona taking TQ. The field was set and a full grid of antsy drivers anticipated the triple A Mains. A Main number 1 started with JR Mitch making his way into the lead through the rhythm section closely followed by Ruona. With the large field of drivers the lead group was constantly in traffic, which kept racing tight and unpredictable. JR took a 6-second lead to finish first in A-1 with Ruona in second and Paul Wynn in third. A-2 started with the TQ Ruona taking a slight lead. A few mistakes from Mitch in addition to traffic problems allowed Ruona to stretch the lead considerably. Ruona took A-2 with JR Mitch in second and Paul Wynn in third.

A-3 would be the deciding factor between Teammates Ruona and Mitch. Ruona pulled a great start with Mitch no less than two vehicle lengths behind for most of the first lap. As the two entered the front stretch, Mitch made a move through the land-mine section getting inside. Continuing over the double jump coming onto the straight-away the two drivers touched, giving a slight advantage to Ruona who waited slightly for Mitch to get back on track. Paul Wynn took the lead with Ruona now in second and Mitch in third. Ruona made a move on Wynn in the land-mine section, putting him into the lead once again. Just when it appeared that Mitch had regrouped from a poor start, a mechanical problem forced him out of the race. Ruona finished off A-3 out front while Wynn remained in second throughout. Finishing out front, Ruona took A-3 and the overall championship with JR Mitch finishing second and Paul Wynn third. Topping things off, Mitch sported a prototype Punisher RCBe body with Ruona and Wynn utilizing the Hi-Flow body while all three drivers sported the Illuzion HD rear wing.

Already looking forward to the next trip, JConcepts would like to extend a huge congratulations to the AIS crew, track and facility on yet another fantastic indoor event.

Thanks to Jason Ruona of JConcepts for this report. Click on the link below for JR Mitch's RC8B setup sheet.